ANSF Defeat Taliban In Helmand’s Nawa District

ANSF Defeat Taliban In Helmand’s Nawa District

The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) took back control of Nawa district of southern Helmand province on Monday after nine months, local officials confirmed.

Afghan security forces re-took control of Nawa district on Monday morning following a large-scale operation that was launched early Saturday.

Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor, confirmed security forces regained “complete” control at about 9am on Monday morning.

“Ten Taliban insurgents were killed last night (Sunday night) in a foreign troops airstrike and security forces took control early Monday,” Zwak said.

The large-scale operation was launched on Saturday by security forces. Troops advanced from three directions in a bid to re-take the district. Local security forces were also backed up by air support from foreign troops.

“The operation was launched from Lashkargah city, Garemsir district and Jarnamo Camp directions to clear the district,” Zwak added.

Zwak said the security check posts have been established in the areas that have been cleared but the clearing operation continues in parts of the district.

He said at least 20 insurgents were killed and wounded on Sunday night in an airstrike but that this was an early estimate. He said final numbers would be released later.

This was in addition to the tally released by officials on Sunday, which put the casualty toll among insurgents at 18 killed, including six commanders.